A new molecular architecture for molecular electronics

Understanding the electronic transport through layered systems comprising organic Junctional layers in direct contact to semiconductor surfaces is of major importancefor future applications in nanoelectronics, photovoltaics and sensors. We report on the successful deposition of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkyl and arylphosphonates onto silicon/silicon oxide substrates. These SAMs further served as a basis for the preparation of novel three-dimensional, organized bilayers of anthracene diphophonates, using techniques of coordination chemistry under controlled conditions by deposition of organometallic linkers onto the monolayers. We have characterized the mono- and bilayer systems on planar surfaces by AFM and XRR measurements. Furthermore the electrochemical properties of the organophosphonate monolayers, in terms of resistive and capacitive behaviors, were quantitatively analyzed by impedance spectroscopy. Finally we discuss preliminary electrical characterization data of aliphatic as well as aromatic organophosphonate systems in vertical transport using a metal top electrode.